New Cayman GT4 unveiled

385bhp at 7,400rpm makes it the most potent Cayman ever.

The most powerful production Cayman in history has been revealed: the GT4.

Developed by Porsche Motorsport – the same division responsible for 919 Hybrid racer – the stripped-out, two-seat, mid-engined coupe is planned to make its public debut at the Geneva motor show with the aim of providing customers with a race track orientated alternative to the more powerful 911 GT3.

“We didn’t make this out of a Cayman GTS,” says Andreas Pruninger, head of Porsche’s GT race car program. “This is an entry level mid-engined GT3 car.” He says the 911 Carrera S engine didn’t fit into the Cayman GT4 at first, and took some changes before it did. He describes the result as an “old school hot rod – a big engine in a small car. It’s a whole new package – very driveable, an explosive experience that makes you smile all the time.”

Porsche says the new top of the line Cayman shares an uprated chassis with the 911 GT3, so it gets lower suspension, better brakes, and a large fixed rear wing that reduces lift and generates downforce. Yet the GT4 weighs in at 2950lb, the same as a Cayman S.

The exterior design is simply form following function. The goal was to create a “zero lift car”, but with an extensive aerodynamic and cooling package – which includes a front splitter, a larger front grille and increased frontal air intakes, side air intakes, two rear spoilers and a fully functional diffuser – the Cayman GT4 produces as much downforce at speed (220lb) as the 911 GT3.

Porsche is not offering any PDK automatic gearbox on the GT4. You do get a mechanical limited-slip differential, torque vectoring system, stability management, sports exhaust, sports seats, leather/Alcantara trim, the Sport Chrono pack, and 20in alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The rear 295/30 ZR20 tires are bespoke, the front 245/35 ZR20s are borrowed from the 911 GT3 as they were “a perfect match”, according to Preuninger. If that’s not enough, opt for CFRP seats, the Club Sport pack, and carbon ceramic discs from the 911 GT3, which Preuninger describes as “slightly over engineered and delightfully oversized” when fitted to the Cayman GT4.

Porsche claims a 0-62mph time of just 4.4 seconds – a full half second quicker than the Cayman GTS – with a top speed of 183mph. There’s even talk that a GT4 lapped the Nürburgring in 7m 40s, which unofficially puts it in the same company as the Gallardo Superleggera, Mercedes SLS, and 997 GT3. Faster even than a 911 Turbo S. Yikes!

The GT4 will arrive at U.S. dealers in July with a starting MSRP of $84,600. Interested? Contact us today about your Cayman GT4.